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Despite playing traditional heavy metal, this Peruvian act going by the name Hyena has put out a dizzying array of splits, compilations, singles and EPs (14 individual releases) worthy of a black metal band in their 7 or so years of existence. A classic Dying Victims Productions release, Hyena's debut album, About Rock and Roll, is overflowing with 80s-style screaming vocals, tasty guitar tone and lyrics about the metal life. I love it when Hyena stomps on the gas on tracks like "Hail the Fire" and "Ready to Explode" where the band's unbridled energy takes over my nervous system and forces me to throw up some horns and bang my head. Their mid-paced stuff is pretty good, too, with chugging guitar riffs, pounding drums and bass and those high-pitched wails seemingly trying to touch the upper limits of human hearing. I wouldn't call the songwriting revolutionary, but it is thick with hooks and very catchy, so you'll be too busy singing along and shredding on the air guitar to give that fact much notice. If classic bands like Loudness and Keel along with newer traditional metal proponents like Skull Fist and Enforcer are your cup of tea, grab a copy of About Rock and Roll and break out that air Flying V.